ESPN analyst calls Florida State the ‘best team returning’ in ACC

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy is a big believer in Florida State heading into the 2023 season. The Seminoles had a breakthrough year in 2022 to finish 10-3, and McElroy expects them to take another leap.

With names such as Jared Verse and Jordan Travis set to return, it’s hard to argue. In a recent episode of his podcast, Always College Football, McElroy tabbed FSU as the best returning team in the ACC, predicting it to surpass Clemson.

“I think they’re the best team returning in the ACC,” McElroy said. “You’re gonna say, ‘Greg, how can you say that? They lost to NC State. They lost to Clemson.’ I understand that, but you look at what’s returning. You’ve got seven back on offense. You’ve got nine back on defense. They have already proven to be a team that can not just attract guys in the portal, but can take the guys they brought in and put them in a great situation to make a legitimate leap forward. I think that’s what they’ll do this year.”

Verse, a transfer from Albany, was the most impactful addition for Florida State in 2022. He had a breakout season to finish with 48 tackles (17 for loss) and nine sacks, opting to return to Tallahassee despite being a projected first-round pick. The Seminoles also got big seasons from transfer receivers Johnny Wilson and Mycah Pittman, the former of whom led FSU with 43 catches for 897 yards and five touchdowns.

Florida State will hope for similar production from its transfer class in 2023. The Seminoles have already brought in 10 transfers this offseason and rank No. 14 according to On3’s Team Transfer Portal Rankings. That includes cornerback Fentrell Cypress, the No. 2 player according to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings, as well as several offensive and defensive linemen.

But more than what it added, Florida State will also benefit from the players it returns. Other than Verse, the Seminoles bring back quarterback Jordan Travis, who finished with 3,214 yards passing, 417 yards rushing, 31 total touchdowns and five interceptions in 2022. With the returning production at receiver and what should be a strong rushing attack, McElroy is excited about the potential of the offense.

“Jordan Travis could be in the mix for the Heisman Trophy,” he said. “Look at how he finished the season. Look at how things worked with him figuring out how to work off play action using his own legs. Felt like going into last year when you’re watching 2021 tape of Jordan Travis you’re like, ‘All right. Pump fake, roll to your right throw it away. Pump fake, roll to your right, try to find a guy downfield. If he’s not there you throw it into traffic. It’s disappointing.’ He relied a lot on being an athlete and didn’t necessarily play with the patience in the pocket that you have to play with to have top-level quarterback play.

“My goodness has he improved so much from the start of last season. He looks like a complete different player. By the end of the season, he was putting his teammates in great position to be successful and was making great decisions in the process. He’ll complement what should be an outstanding trio of running backs and outstanding running game in general.”

But as great as everything looks on paper, Greg McElroy also understands the pressure that will be on Florida State entering 2023. This past season was the first time the Seminoles reached 10 wins since 2016, and put them back on the national radar. How they handle the increased expectations will be key to whether they can build upon their 2022 finish.

“I think they have everything cooking right now for Florida State,” McElroy said. “Now, will they be able to play with the weight of expectation? Some people have them as high as the top five. I’m not sure I’m willing to go that far just yet. But anyone that expects Florida State to be any worse than 10-3 like they were a year ago, I think you’re mistaken.

“…I think Florida State is poised to have a breakout season. I am so optimistic. This is the most optimistic I’ve been about a Florida State football team since prior to the 2014 season. It’s been a while, y’all. Seminoles fans, you deserve it. I hope you’re as excited as I am to watch your team take the field next year.”

Florida State will kick off the 2023 season on Sept. 3 against LSU.